Special Note on Changes to ACOUSTIC NERVE in 2000 MeSH

The following note is in response to questions regarding the recent change in the Main Heading "Acoustic Nerve."

• "Acoustic Nerve" changed to "Cochlear Nerve" in MeSH

  In MeSH, from 1963-1999, the term "Acoustic Nerve" was considered synonymous with "Vestibulocochlear Nerve". For 2000 MeSH, the meaning of "Acoustic Nerve" was changed to reflect current anatomical terminology and thinking. For 2000 MeSH, "Acoustic Nerve" is now considered a synonym of " Cochlear Nerve". The cochlear nerve is a branch of the vestibulocochlear, and is what is referred to by the term "acoustic nerve."

• Impact on MEDLINE citations and indexing

  In MEDLINE citations from 1963 to 1999, the occurrences of the Main Heading "Acoustic Nerve" have been changed to "Vestibulocochlear Nerve." To retrieve these citations in MEDLINE, use the term "Vestibulocochlear Nerve."

  Today a MEDLINE search using "Acoustic Nerve" will retrieve citations indexed by the Main Heading "Cochlear Nerve."

Last updated: 14 February 2000